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Editorial: Terror strikes Norway

Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with the people of Norway following the death of more than 90 people in two separate, but most likely coordinated, attacks on Friday

The Jakarta Post
Mon, July 25, 2011

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Editorial: Terror strikes Norway

O

ur hearts, thoughts and prayers are with the people of Norway following the death of more than 90 people in two separate, but most likely coordinated, attacks on Friday.

News of the bomb attack at the prime minister’s office in Oslo was later followed by reports of a massacre at
a youth camp on nearby Utoeya Island, jolting not only Norwegians, but the entire world into another rude
awakening, reminding that terror can strike anywhere — even in the most peaceful and tranquil corners of
the world. Police have since arrested 32-year-old Anders Behring Breivik, a Norwegian citizen who has admitted responsibility for both attacks.

His race, religion and political leanings have, at least for now, stopped the rampant speculation from self-professed terrorist experts that had initially tried to link the attacks to Islamic extremists.
The tragedy demonstrates that terror of such horrific proportions is not exclusive to any particular religious, racial or political group.

This realization is hardly comforting, but it is all the more reason for people and governments across the world to be vigilant. No nation can ever be prepared to deal with the carnage seen on Friday. Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg should be commended for quickly making public appearances to calm the confused and bewildered nation and to console grieving relatives. The massive outpouring of global sympathy and support should also send the strong message that Norwegians are not alone in dealing with this sort of tragedy.
We hope Norway can quickly recover from the trauma and for the Norwegian authorities to get to the bottom of how and why this senseless attack happened. The tragedy makes a compelling case for a more concerted global effort to curtail access to all guns and other lethal weapons.

Indonesia, as a country often targeted by terrorist attacks, could join hands with Norway to take the initiative. In the hands of madmen like Breivik, even the simplest fire arms can become a weapon of mass destruction.

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